How to Plan A Road Trip: If you are planning to go to your home from Delhi-NCR or any other city of the country this Holi, then this article of ours is useful for you. Actually, we are going to talk about what things we need to keep in mind while planning a road trick, so that the journey is better and we can reach our destination safely.
Road trips are a lot of fun, but it is very important to ensure the safety and reliability of the car. If there is any fault in the car, then problems may arise during the journey, which will not only waste time but can also put life at risk. Therefore, the car should be thoroughly checked before travelling. Let us take a look at its step by step process.
1. Check tires
First of all, check the tires of the car. Check tire pressure. When pressure decreases, fuel consumption increases and tires wear out quickly. Measure it with a tire pressure gauge. Also, look at the tread (wear) of the tires. Tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm. If less, replace the tyre. Low tread on wet road increases the risk of slipping. Also check wheel alignment and balancing, as unbalanced wheels increase vibration.
2. Maintain the brake system
The next important part is the brake system. Brakes are the basis of car safety. Check the thickness of the brake pads, if they have become thin, replace them. Check the brake fluid level. If low, top up. If there is any strange sound while applying brakes or the brake pedal feels spongy, then get it checked by a mechanic immediately. If there is ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), then its light should not light on the dashboard.
3. Watch the Engine and Fluids
Now let’s talk about engine and fluids. Check the level and quality of engine oil. Check with the dipstick that the oil is clean and at the correct level. If dirty or low, replace. Also check the coolant (radiator water), this is important to avoid engine overheating. Check all brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid.
4. Check for leakage
Check that there are no stains or leaks under the car. Checking the battery is also important. Battery terminals should be clean and free of rust. The battery voltage should be above 12.6 volts. If the battery is old (3-5 years), get a new one. Also check the alternator to make sure it is charging the battery.
5. Don’t forget the lights and electrical system
Check that headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, horn and wipers are all working. These are necessary at night or in the rain. Check the fuse box. If any light is not burning, get it fixed. There should be no cracks in the windshield, as it affects visibility.
6. Check the suspension and steering system
If you feel vibration while driving the car or the steering feels loose, then get the shock absorbers and steering rack checked. See Belts and Hoses. There should be no cracks or looseness. There should not be any holes or rust in the exhaust system, as this can lead to carbon monoxide leaking.
7. Keep an emergency kit ready
Keep the kit ready before starting the trip. This should include a jack, tool kit, spare tyre, first aid kit, torch, water, snacks, towing rope and jumper cables. Keep documents like registration, insurance, PUC certificate and driving license with you.
If the car is old, then get it completely serviced by a professional mechanic. Take a test drive and make sure everything is fine. This will not only make the journey safer, but the fuel efficiency of the vehicle will also be better.